The 80th Texas Legislature
What's at stake for faculty and staff?
TFA Legislative Roundup
The 80th Legislature proved to be a challenging one for the Texas Faculty Association as we fought battles on several fronts. Without a doubt, TFA's biggest challenge was battling Governor Rick Perry's plan to institute performance incentive funding and exit exam testing in the state's public institutions of higher education. We supported some bills relating to the affordability of textbooks and opposed others. We battled bills that weakened the Texas Public Information Act. And, we lobbied on a myriad of other issues impacting higher education.
Urgent - Action Requested!
On June 15, Governor Rick Perry vetoed $154 million in group health insurance for community and junior colleges, a 50 percent reduction in the total amount appropriated for the insurance.
Senate allocates more money to higher ed than the House
The Texas Senate has voted to allocate $241.3 million in General Revenue Funds (GRF) more than the house for the 2008-2009 biennium for public institutions of higher education.
TFA supports some textbook affordability bills but opposes others
TFA has lobbied this session in favor of some bills relating to textbook affordability for college students but has opposed others. The Association strongly supports SB 49 by Senator Judith Zaffirini exempting books purchased by university and college students from the sales tax.
TFA opposes "teaching to the test" legislation in higher education
TFA opposes in the strongest possible terms companion bills that would bring exit exam testing in Texas to public institutions of higher education.
Substantive bills that TFA is supporting or opposing
TFA supports SB 51, but opposes SCR 3, SB 1045, and SB 889.
SB 1029
Statement in Opposition to the Committee Substitute for SB 1029 Relating to Performance Incentive Funding for Institutions of Higher Education by Dr. Charles Zucker, Executive Director
House to Vote on Appropriations Bill
The Texas treasury is bursting with money compared to recent years, and although lawmakers have said higher education is one of their highest priorities this session, the budget that the House of Representatives will vote on today is generally disappointing in terms of funding for the state’s postsecondary institutions.
Urgent - Action Requested!
TFA opposes HB 960 and HB 956 relating to policy regarding the use of textbooks in certain courses offered by public institutions of higher education.
TFA Program for the 80th Legislature
Higher education funding and TFA's goals for the 80th Legislature.
Testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
The Executive Director of TFA testifies before the Subcommittee.
Links
Important links to help you take action, stay informed, and get involved in the 80th Texas Legislature.
More News
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Upcoming Events
August 1st - Board of Directors meeting
